14 Jul 2011

Campbell stresses solidarity with NZ and Australia over Fiji

3:11 pm on 14 July 2011

The United States Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell says the US won't be veering from its diplomatic course on Fiji, acting in a support role to Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Campbell says while the US has an interest in Fiji, it doesn't have the deep, sustained, historic ties that Australia and New Zealand do.

Mr Campbell says the US has taken a strong line on Fiji consistent with the smart and deliberate parameters set by Australia and New Zealand.

He says the US can help by getting other countries like Japan involved in dialogue over Fiji.

"Fiji is the land of lousy options and the truth is the most important thing that we believe that the United States can do is to maintain a high degree of solidarity with the key countries whose engagement is so important notably Australia and New Zealand."

United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell.